Sports: Bulls try to work new deal for Leavitt

Bulls try to work new deal for Leavitt

USF's Judy Genshaft says, "We're happy to do whatever we can.''

By PETE YOUNG, Times Staff Writer

TAMPA -- As Indiana nears the selection of its next football coach -- the Hoosiers are expected to make the announcement today -- South Florida is trying to ensure the choice won't be Jim Leavitt by renegotiating his contract.

President Judy Genshaft and athletic director Lee Roy Selmon met with Leavitt on Monday, two days after Leavitt interviewed for the Indiana job. Genshaft said they made significant progress toward extending and increasing the value of Leavitt's contract.

"I've talked to (Leavitt) a couple of times recently. We've discussed his contract, but we are not finished," Genshaft said. "We're making great progress, but some details need to be worked out. We're doing a little bit of both (altering the value of the contract and extending it).

"We're happy to do whatever we can. We'll work through this month, and it should be done by the beginning of February."

Leavitt, 45, signed an extension in February that runs through the 2005 season. It increased his base salary from $140,000 to $200,000 in 2003 and $220,000 in 2005. The base does not include television, football camp and apparel incentives.

Leavitt, the only coach in school history, has guided USF football through five seasons. The Bulls were 8-3 last season, their first in Division I-A, and are 35-20 overall.

"Whenever there is success, there are rewards that go with that," Genshaft said.

There reportedly are three or four other candidates for the IU job. The Indianapolis Star said former LSU and Vandy coach Gerry DiNardo also interviewed Saturday at Indiana, and former San Diego Chargers coach Mike Riley, who coached at Oregon State before jumping to the NFL after the 1998 season, was in Bloomington on Thursday. Riley is a candidate for the Stanford job.

The Indiana Daily Student said LSU defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, the former Oklahoma coach, is a candidate for the IU job, and the Bloomington Herald-Times said there is one other unnamed candidate.

"It's flattering and scary at the same time," Genshaft said of Indiana's pursuit of Leavitt. "I called (Leavitt) before he went (to Bloomington) and I told him, "I hope you have a very good time, say hello to (IU president) Myles Brand -- he's a friend of mine -- and come back. Come back and stay with us.' "

This is the third time since the end of the season Leavitt's name has been linked to a job opening. He was contacted by Kansas and Arkansas State but did not interview for either. In late November, during Kansas' coaching search, Leavitt said it would take a "no-brainer" for him to leave USF.

Genshaft said she is confident Leavitt is staying put.

"I certainly hope so, and that's been the impression I've gotten," she said.

Indiana fired Cam Cameron on Dec. 5. He was 18-37 in five seasons, including 5-6 this season. The Herald-Times said Cameron earned about $400,000 a year including incentives.

The Daily Student and Bloomington Herald Times said Indiana administrators hope to announce the selection today, in part to coincide with the presence of ESPN and other media outlets who are in town for the Indiana-Michigan State basketball game.